Doha: The Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), held the second roundtable for the construction, building materials, and wood sectors. This event builds on the discussions and outcomes of the inaugural roundtable held in December 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, this roundtable is part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to enhance its labour relations framework and promote social dialogue across key economic sectors. The event gathered representatives from government entities, employers, and workers to discuss sector challenges, share expertise and good practices, and explore practical strategies for improving labour relations and cooperation between employers and workers.
The discussions centered on implementing a new framework for joint committees, focusing on strengthening worker participation and establishing effective communication channels between workers and employers. Key areas of discussion also included wage protection, occupational safety and health, social dialogue, and measures to enhance cooperation at the sector level.
The meeting offered a chance to review progress since the first construction sector roundtable in December 2025 and to build on the priorities identified during that engagement. A delegation from Building and Wood Workers' International joined the discussions, bringing in international experience and practical expertise, while aligning with Qatar's national legislation and relevant international standards.
Assistant Under Secretary for Migrant Labour Affairs, Hamed Faraj Dalmouk, emphasized Qatar's commitment to social dialogue as a key pillar of labour market development. He noted that ongoing engagement between employers and workers provides an effective platform for addressing challenges, sharing expertise, and developing practical solutions.
Dalmouk pointed out the importance of joint worker committees as a mechanism for enhancing worker participation and establishing direct communication channels between workers and employers. He highlighted that such committees offer a structured forum for raising concerns and addressing workplace challenges, contributing to better working conditions, stability, and productivity.
On wage protection, Dalmouk described the Wage Protection System as a crucial element of Qatar's framework for safeguarding workers' rights. He noted that the system ensures timely payment of wages while promoting transparency in the contractual relationship between workers and employers.
Dalmouk stressed that improving working conditions requires a comprehensive approach beyond regulatory measures. This includes ensuring safe workplaces and strengthening awareness of occupational safety and health procedures, especially in sectors requiring high adherence to preventive and protective measures.
In this context, he underscored the importance of continued stakeholder engagement and drawing on international experience and good practices to improve working conditions, ensuring alignment with national legislation and international standards.
He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to maintaining open dialogue with partners, considering their observations and proposals, and developing policies that strengthen worker protection and improve working conditions. He also highlighted supporting employers and contributing to the efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of economic sectors.
During the sessions, participants discussed issues relevant to the construction and related sectors, including employment, recruitment, wage protection, occupational safety and health, worker participation, social dialogue, and the role of joint committees in strengthening cooperation between employers and workers.
The roundtable concluded by reaffirming the importance of sustained dialogue, coordination, and the exchange of expertise and good practices among employers and workers. The discussions underscored the value of continued sectoral cooperation in further developing labour relations and supporting Qatar's efforts to advance its labour system.